36,000 Bayern Members Protest Ticket Prices
The increase in ticket prices for the match between Bayern Munich and Shakhtar Donetsk has sparked a strong response from Bayern’s members and fans. With the announcement that tickets for this Champions League game, set to take place at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen, would start at a minimum of €52 for standing places, over 36,000 Bayern members canceled their ticket requests in protest.
This situation led Bayern’s ultras group, Südkurve München, to publicly call for a boycott of the match. In their statement, they expressed dissatisfaction, urging other fans not to attend and labeling the price as “unfair” and the “top game surcharge” as abusive. This increase is nearly double what fans paid for recent matches, such as the one against Atalanta, where ticket prices began at €23.
The context of this game is also unique, as due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Shakhtar Donetsk hosts their matches in Germany. This setup would theoretically make it easier for many Bayern fans to attend. However, the high ticket prices have changed the scenario, leading many supporters to refrain from supporting their team from the stands.
Shakhtar’s use of dynamic pricing has faced criticism, as it raises costs as availability decreases, directly impacting fan access. While tickets for games against less prominent teams are much cheaper, Bayern’s presence in the group stage has driven prices up sharply.
Despite the venue’s proximity and the match’s significance, it appears Bayern Munich will face a quieter atmosphere, with many ultras and fans absent. This boycott sends a clear message about the negative impact of high prices on fan support and raises questions about accessibility for fans in European competitions.
